A Divorce He Regrets

Chapter 54:

“Ah, I’ve got the magic touch,” Grandpa said confidently, gently lifting the baby into his arms. The sight of him cradling my son made my chest tighten with pride and a touch of longing. This was the life I wanted—the simplicity of family, the joy of watching my son grow.

Grandma hugged Faith tightly, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. “You’re amazing, sweetheart. He’s beautiful.”

Faith laughed softly, leaning into her embrace. “Thank you. We’re just glad he’s here and healthy.”

The house was soon filled with warmth and congratulations, but as much as I wanted to revel in the moment, my mind was elsewhere. Raina’s request lingered like a storm cloud, casting a shadow over my happiness.

The next day, I found myself parked outside the address Raina had texted me, waiting for Vanessa. She’d demanded I pick her up like this was some kind of date. I had flatly refused, making it clear that if she wanted to meet, she could find her own way.

The café was tucked away on a quiet street, its outdoor seating shielded by tall, leafy trees. It would have been pleasant under different circumstances, but I was far from relaxed.

When Vanessa finally arrived, my jaw clenched involuntarily. She was dressed in something that could barely be called a dress—tight, short, and entirely inappropriate for a casual meeting. Her confidence was palpable as she sauntered toward me, heels clicking against the pavement.

She reached out as though to hug me, her arms wide and a coy smile plastered on her face.

I stepped back sharply, holding up a hand to stop her. “Don’t,” I said, my voice cold and firm.

Vanessa’s smile faltered for a split second before she replaced it with an exaggerated pout. “No need to be so formal, Dominic.”

I ignored her attempt at charm, my expression hardening. “Let’s get one thing straight, Vanessa. If you try to play me—if that SD card is fake or missing—I will make sure your family is bankrupt before the week is over. Do you understand?”noveldrama

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Her eyes widened, the smug mask slipping to reveal a flicker of fear. For a moment, I saw the cracks in her confidence, but she quickly composed herself. “Of course,” she said sweetly, though her voice wavered ever so slightly. “I wouldn’t dare.”

I leaned back in my seat, crossing my arms. “Good. Since we have an understanding, let’s set some ground rules.” I paused, letting the weight of my words hang in the air. “There are things you need to know about me and what I will—and will not—tolerate tonight.”

Vanessa’s smile faltered again, her confidence visibly shaken. She nodded, her voice softer now. “I’m listening.”

I sat back, arms crossed, ready to endure whatever madness lay ahead.

DOMINIC

My mind was nowhere near the dimly lit restaurant where I sat across from Vanessa. Physically, I was here—trapped in this charade—but mentally, I was back home with Faith and my newborn son. I could almost hear his soft cries, feel the warmth of his tiny body against mine. Were they okay? Was Faith resting? Did my son miss the sound of my voice already?

The thought of missing even a single moment of his early days tightened a knot in my chest. And for what? To humor this manipulative woman in some twisted exchange for an SD card? Raina was going to owe me for this. Big time.

“Dominic, are you even listening to me?”

Her voice dragged me from my thoughts, cutting through the haze like nails on a chalkboard. I blinked, focusing on her overly done makeup and the way she twirled her hair like we were at some high school prom.

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